Fraser
(m) Frazer also occurs, though Fraser is certainly
the more usual spelling in Scotland. The Gaelic form is
Friseal. This Scottish surname, now a popular Christian
name, not only in Scotland but in other English-speaking
countries, began as a French placename, which was variously recorded
as Frisselle, Freseliere, Fresel, etc. Bearers of the surname
saw it as deriving from French fraise, ‘strawberry,’
which accounts for the flower of the strawberry plant being used
in the coat of arms. The original meaning of the placename is
unknown.